Important!

This replacement procedure can be used for:
BMW 5 Saloon (E39) 530 d, BMW 5 Saloon (E39) 520 d, BMW 5 Saloon (E39) 525 d, BMW 5 Saloon (E39) 530 d … View more

The steps may slightly vary depending on the car design.

This video shows the replacement procedure of a similar car part on another vehicle

All the parts you need to replace – Engine Radiator for 5 Saloon (E39) and other BMW models

Engine radiator

        Engine radiator for 5 Saloon (E39) Diesel (184 hp)
      
        Engine radiator for 5 Saloon (E39) Diesel (136 hp)
      
        Engine radiator for 5 Saloon (E39) Diesel (163 hp)
      
        Engine radiator for 5 Saloon (E39) Diesel (193 hp)

Replacement: engine radiator – BMW 5 (E39). Tools you might need:

                        All-purpose cleaning spray
                      
                        Torque wrench
                      
                        Combination spanner #32 
                      
                        Drive socket # 8
                      
                        HEX bit No.H5
                      
                        Ratchet wrench
                      
                        Flat screwdriver
                      
                        Clip removal tool
                      
                        Funnel
                      
                        Fluid container
                      
                        Crow bar
                      
                        Fender cover

Buy tools

Replacement: engine radiator – BMW 5 (E39). AUTODOC experts recommend:

Follow the terms, recommendations and requirements of the part operation provided by the manufacturer.
Check the coolant condition and replace it if necessary.
Please note: all work on the car – BMW 5 (E39) – should be done with the engine switched off.

Carry out replacement in the following order:

Step 1

Open the hood.

Step 2

Use a fender protection cover to prevent damaging paintwork and plastic parts of the car.

Step 3

Unscrew the coolant reservoir cap.
Step 4

Remove the fan shroud clips. Use a clip removal tool.
Step 5

Unscrew the cooling fan fastener. Use a combination spanner #32 (2 pieces).
Step 6

Remove the fan shroud. Remove the cooling fan.
Step 7

Prepare a container for fluids.
Step 8

Open the coolant drain tap.
Step 9

Drain the coolant from the engine.

Replacement: engine radiator – BMW 5 (E39). Tip:
Caution! The coolant can be very hot.Wear gloves to prevent contact with hot liquid.All work should be done with the engine stopped.Wait until the coolant has completely flowed out of the drain hole.
Step 10

Close the coolant drain tap.

Step 11

Detach the clamp of the upper coolant hose. Use a crowbar.
Step 12

Detach the upper coolant hose.

Replacement: engine radiator – BMW 5 (E39). Tip from AUTODOC experts:
Caution! Coolant may leak from radiator openings.
Step 13

Detach the clamp of the lower coolant pipe. Use a crowbar.
Step 14

Detach the lower coolant pipe.

Replacement: engine radiator – BMW 5 (E39). AUTODOC recommends:
Caution! Coolant may leak from radiator openings.
Step 15

Unscrew the radiator fasteners. Use a drive socket #8. Use a ratchet wrench.
Step 16

Remove the radiator.
Step 17

Install the new radiator.
Step 18

Screw in the radiator fasteners. Use a drive socket #8. Use a ratchet wrench.
Step 19

Clean the coolant hose. Use all-purpose cleaning spray.
Step 20

Attach the lower coolant pipe.
Step 21

Attach the clamp of the lower coolant pipe.
Step 22

Clean the coolant hose. Use all-purpose cleaning spray.
Step 23

Attach the upper coolant hose.
Step 24

Attach the clamp of the upper coolant hose.
Step 25

Install the cooling fan. Install the fan shroud.
Step 26

Tighten the cooling fan fastener. Use a combination spanner #32 (2 pieces). Use a torque wrench. Tighten it to 33 Nm torque.
Step 27

Install the fan shroud clips.
Step 28

Unscrew the engine cover fastener. Use HEX No.H5. Use a ratchet wrench.
Step 29

Remove the engine cover.

AUTODOC recommends:
Replacement: engine radiator – BMW 5 (E39). Do not use excessive force when removing the part as this may damage it.
Step 30

Open the coolant system bleed screw. Use a flat screwdriver.
Step 31

Remove the coolant reservoir cap.
Step 32

Insert the funnel.
Step 33

Pour coolant in the coolant reservoir.

Replacement: engine radiator – BMW 5 (E39). Tip:
Only use the coolant recommended by the manufacturer.The coolant level should be at the MAX mark.Wait until the air goes out of the system.
Step 34

Close the coolant system bleed screw. Use a flat screwdriver.
Step 35

Run the engine for a few minutes. This should be done in order to remove residual air from the cooling system and to check if the components are operating correctly.

Step 36

Shut off the engine.

Step 37

Check the coolant level. If necessary, top up to the required level.
Step 38

Open the coolant system bleed screw. Use a flat screwdriver.

Replacement: engine radiator – BMW 5 (E39). AUTODOC recommends:
This should be done in order to remove residual air from the cooling system and to check if the components are operating correctly.
Step 39

Close the coolant system bleed screw. Use a flat screwdriver.

Step 40

Install the coolant reservoir cap.

Step 41

Screw on the coolant reservoir cap.
Step 42

Install the engine cover and secure it.

AUTODOC recommends:
Replacement: engine radiator – BMW 5 (E39). To avoid damaging the part during installation, do not use excessive force.
Step 43

Screw in the engine cover fasteners. Use HEX No.H5. Use a ratchet wrench.

Step 44

Remove the fender protection cover.

Step 45

Close the hood.

Was this manual helpful?

Please rate this manual on a scale from 1 to 5. If you have any questions, feel free to ask us.

Searching for the right tyres?

Find out which tyre and wheel sizes are compatible with the BMW 5 Saloon (E39) model.

Browse tyres

How to change spark plugs on BMW E39 – replacement guide

Free download PDF
2.68 MB
How to change serpentine belt on BMW E39 – replacement guide

Free download PDF
1.52 MB
How to change right engine mounts on BMW 5 Saloon (E39) – replacement guide

Free download PDF
2.53 MB
How to change ignition coil on BMW 5 Saloon (E39) – replacement guide

Free download PDF
1.73 MB
How to change rocker cover gasket on BMW 5 Saloon (E39) – replacement guide

Free download PDF
2.74 MB
How to change water pump on BMW 5 Saloon (E39) – replacement guide

Free download PDF
2.38 MB

How to change engine radiator on BMW E39 touring – replacement guide

Free download PDF
2.21 MB
How to change engine radiator on BMW 7 (E38) – replacement guide

Free download PDF
2.06 MB
How to change engine radiator on VW Golf 2 – replacement guide

Free download PDF
2.59 MB
How to change engine thermostat on Mercedes W201 – replacement guide

Free download PDF
1.66 MB
How to change engine radiator on Mercedes W201 – replacement guide

Free download PDF
1.93 MB
How to change engine radiator on Mercedes W124 – replacement guide

Free download PDF
3.14 MB

Your profile is your personal assistant.

It can track car expenses, keep a car log and replacement schedule, and save favourite materials, notes and documents

Install the AUTODOC CLUB app!

Your personal car expenses manager, maintenance tips, reminders about upcoming appointments and service intervals, DIY repair instructions – all this on your phone.

Scan

To download the app:

- scan the QR code
- download from App Store
- download from Google Play

Causes of a worn car boot damper | AUTODOC

3K views

Published on: 04/07/2021
What to do if the TPMS light is on | AUTODOC tips

6K views

Published on: 28/09/2023
How to fix your car with AUTODOC CLUB

16K views

Published on: 30/11/2021
TOP 8 mistakes car owners make | AUTODOC tips

14K views

Published on: 09/12/2021